BENTONG: Several procedures, including those related to visas, are being looked into, before allowing Malaysians to perform umrah, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri.

       “We need to look at the whole aspect and we may also take a closer look at how to combine the tourist visa with umrah visa, for instance.

       “When we have complete and accurate information, we will announce it from time to time,” he told reporters after the Musaadah Assistance Programme 2021 in Janda Baik here today, with Islamic Dakwah Foundation Malaysia (YADIM) chief executive officer Tuan Kamarul Arief Tuan Soh.

       Previously, Zulkifli said, Malaysians were expected to be allowed to visit Saudi Arabia, including to perform the umrah pilgrimage this year.

       However, it would depend on the current Covid-19 situation and vaccination rate in Malaysia as well as permission from Saudi Arabia.

       Saudi Arabia reopened its doors to tourists from 49 countries, including Malaysia, on Aug 1, by simplifying procedures in obtaining an entry visa for a period of one year and allowing a stay of up to 90 days in the kingdom.

       Elaborating on the event, Zulkifli said over 100 boxes of daily necessities were distributed to asnaf (tithe recipients) through Yadim.

       He said Yadim delivered the donations daily through its volunteers across the country and hoped that it would ease the burden of recipients. — Bernama